Special Needs Non-Profits Announce New Social Media Awareness Campaign

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.(FREE) in partnership with Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities (ACLD) held a press conference announcing the launch of a new social media campaign #Moments4Smiles. #Moments4smiles is a movement to bring global awareness to the fact that all humans are very much alike. Differently-abled, or not, a SMILE is universal.

“I’m excited about the launch of this campaign,” said Robert S. Budd, CEO, FREE. “It’s important towards helping normalize the community we serve by showing the rest of the world just how alike we all are,” he continued.
“A smile sends the message that there are no differences and barriers among us. We all share enjoyment in things in life that make us smile. We are more similar than we are different,” said Robert C. Goldsmith, Executive Director of ACLD.

Members of the Nassau Kings with Angel of FREE’s Theater Day Program

The campaign announcement was made at FREE’s annual Advocacy and Disability Awareness Conference. The goal of the conference was to help the community FREE serves to learn about themselves, be able to express their own opinions, obtain information and resources necessary to make choices that lead to positive change in their own lives, and on behalf of those who are unable to speak for themselves.
The event was attended by over one hundred members of the special needs community, members of the Nassau Kings wheelchair basketball team, and many others who shared their stories and their #Moments4Smiles.

About ACLD
Founded in 1957, Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2017, the organization continues to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,100 people and operates 80 different program sites including group homes and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Service program include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, Medicaid service coordination, and medical and behavioral health services.